Purpose

Summary

Local Healthwatch organisations were created by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to provide a strong public voice for health and social care in each Local Authority area. Thus, under its statutory duty, the London Borough of Barnet (LBB) wishes to re-commission the Healthwatch service in the borough.

Cabinet approved the Annual Procurement Forward Plan 2024/25 on 12th December 2023 which included authorisation for Communities, Adults and Health to procure Healthwatch Services.

Following a competitive procurement process, this report authorises the award of contract to Public Voice. The contract term is for five (5) years from 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2030, with break clauses at the end of year three (3) and four (4). The annual contract value is £121,478 and the total contract value is £607,394 for the 5 year period. This service is funded through a ringfenced central government grant.

Decisions

To authorise the award of contract for the provision of a local Healthwatch service (Healthwatch Barnet) to Public Voice CIC for a period of 5 years from 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2030, with available break clauses at the end of year three (3) and four (4). The annual contract value is £121,478 and the total contract value over the full 5 year period is £607,394.